Free Program Explains Emergency Response Protocol For SMC Schools

SAN BRUNO, CA — If a school in San Mateo County is threatened by an active shooter, fire or other emergency, how will school officials respond?

At a free program on Monday, April 30, Nancy Magee, Associate Superintendent of the San Mateo County Office of Education, and law enforcement and public safety experts will explain the “Big Five” standardized response protocol that all schools in the county – public and private – follow during emergencies. Parents and community members are invited to learn how they can support school safety.

This “School Emergency Preparedness Info Night” will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Capuchino High School, 1501 Magnolia Ave., San Bruno. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Language translations are available upon request. Those attending should RSVP online at tinyurl.com/ybeebbjj or by phone at (650) 802-5588.

The “Big Five” school emergency guidelines have been in place since shortly after the school tragedy in Newtown., Conn., when Magee brought parents and community members together to craft the county’s first standardized emergency response protocol for schools.

The program is sponsored by San Mateo County, the San Mateo County Office of Education and the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities.

— SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION BY: Terry Nagel / Patch photo by Renee Schiavone